I saw the previews for this movie back in early November and knew then I wanted to see it. However, when it was released back in December, it was only playing in select theaters. Even though it had received rave reviews, I wasn't willing to travel as far as I would have had to in order to view "Brokeback Mountain." Lucky for me, two local theaters added the movie to their line up just this weekend so I decided to give it a look.

This movie is rated "R" and rightfully so. One reviewer mentioned that the love scenes were nothing graphic and shouldn't be the focus of the film. Though I agree with him that they love scenes aren't and shouldn't be the film's focal point, the initial encounter between Jack and Innis (the story's two main characters) is quite graphic. Note: There is nudity in this film, but not as much as you'd think or expect.

"Brokeback Mountain" weaves the tale of two cowboys whose lives change forever after a liaison on Brokeback mountain. The two agree that what occurred on the mountain is between them and them only. From that point, they separate and don't see each other for 4 years.

After four years of being apart from each other, Innis and Jack meet up at Innis' house. By this time, Innis is married with two kids. What his wife witnesses leaves her embittered and confused. From that point onward, Jack and Innis would engage in rountine "fishing" trips to Brokeback mountain, much to Innis' wife's dismay.

Director Ang Lee did a great job of pacing in this movie. There are constant time jumps, but they don't leave you lost in the story because they're all forward. The emotions and feelings shared by Jack and Innis are evident, mostly credited to their excellent acting and Lee's great directing than the script itsself. The film depicts love and lost, confession and betrayal. It's a love story at heart, but a story of self discovery beneath.

I found myself choking back tears at the end. "Brokeback Mountain" was highly effective in evoking the emotional response you'd expect from a love story, even if the two main characters were both men. I often found myself wondering how I'd feel as a heterosexual viewing this picture. I finally concluded that I'd be uncomfortable with the love scenes, but that I would definitely enjoy the storyline--depending on if I enjoyed love stories in general.

SIDE NOTE: This movies is almost brilliant in its execution. Director Ang Lee and the writers brilliantly expose what we who are familiar to the gay community already know, that there are regular, "normal" guys out there who find love with other men and are no less "manly" because of it. The film hints at an under current of homosexuality in men that society would NEVER deem homosexual. Today, we'd call those men "DL" or "down low". Down low means they have wives and girlfriends on the surface, but have love for other men (sexually) as well.

I recommend Brokeback mountain for the sheer emotional response it evokes. If you are a fan of love stories, this is a great one. If you're someone who doesn't like emotional movies, don't see it. Regardless of whether or not you're straight or gay, this movie will engage as well as entertain you.


3 Stars out of 4


Worh a look? YES

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